An instance of unity? If it is, then it must be one of those rare ones. Claressa Shields minced no words as she came across Gervonta Davis‘s viral footage. As most fans know, the two world champions aren’t on the best of terms. Or perhaps, more than the person, it was the cause that convinced Shields to offer a sharp critique.
There’s a common misconception surrounding the fighting business – outside the ring or cage, a fighter will always be game for a fight, or, as the word on the street goes, to ‘run a fade.’ But people tend to forget. Fighters are also human beings. Prizefighting is a profession. More so, the role comes with its share of legal and social responsibilities. You cannot just go around fighting random people on the street, right? In this instance, Gervonta Davis refused to take the bait when a passerby challenged him, well, for a ‘fade.’ As she saw the clip, Clarissa Shields let out an unfiltered viewpoint. Explicit – once and for all.
Fighters aren’t NPCs; stop running up on them
It appears the Tank video reminded Claressa Shields of a past incident. She had to physically deal with someone messing with her. “See, that’s why I f**ked that troll up! Stop playing all the time!” remarked boxing’s first three-division undisputed champion. She was responding to the tweet that featured the now-famous interaction between Gervonta Davis and a passerby. The footage begins with a person approaching the lightweight champion, who was hanging out with a few associates. “Holy sh*t, hey, Gervonta Davis, right? What’s good, brother?” The man began.
See that’s why I fucked that troll up! Stop playing all the time! I wish somebody would walk up to me, asking for a friendly fade! I’m gonna piece em up, just sign his waiver https://t.co/6AY2kKrXX0
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) March 23, 2025
Obviously not wanting to disappoint a fan, in response, Tank Davis raised a fist for a bump. Maybe he didn’t realize what was in store for him. The man said, “Hey man, I was just trynna catch a friendly fade with you. I know you do all that boxing sh*t. You feel me? For some money! I got some money. Ain’t no money like, you know. A little fade or something that’s not orchestrated on live TV. But just on some hood sh*t. I put the belt to a**.”
Davis was smart enough to realize where the situation was headed. He refused to respond. Thankfully, the person got the message and didn’t push it any further. “Well, God Bless man, you look like you turning down the fade. God bless,” raising their hand for another fist bump, the person said. Davis and his associates remained aloof. Then, appearing disheartened, the person walked away, blessing Davis and everyone.
Claressa Shields: If you want smoke, you’ll get fire!
Claressa Shields was clearly fed up with people who treat professional fighters like they’re in a video game. They challenge them as if it’s all for fun. If someone ever tried her like they did Gervonta Davis, she wouldn’t hesitate to fight them.
California December 8 2018 Los Angeles Fight Night Action Femeke Hermans Claressa Shields Los Angeles California USA Copyright: xTomxHoganx Best14118_Hoganphotos
She would beat them up. But they would have to sign something legal (likely a liability waiver) so there are no legal repercussions for her. So if someone wants to challenge Shields, they better be serious and ready to take the consequences. “I’m gonna piece em up; just sign his waiver,” Claressa Shields concluded.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist is back in action. The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (MUCC) has lifted her suspension, which was imposed after reports suggested she tested positive for marijuana during her heavyweight undisputed championship fight against Daniele Perkins on February 2 in her hometown of Flint, Michigan.
Isn’t it high time people started treating professional fighters like any other working professional rather than randomly challenging them? Let us know.
The post “Stop Playing”: Claressa Shields Sends Powerful Statement Using Gervonta Davis’s Rare Footage as an Example appeared first on EssentiallySports.